Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Heinrich, Heller Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Repeal Tariffs On Solar Panels

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 12, 2018

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thursday, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) introduced a bipartisan bill to repeal President Trump’s decision to impose up to 30 percent tariffs on imported solar cells and panels that jeopardize tens of thousands of American solar jobs.

Under the Protecting American Solar Jobs Act, duties and tariffs would default back to previous rates and allow companies that imported any affected solar products under this new tariff to receive retroactive reimbursement.

“President Trump’s decision to impose

Governor Announces Grand Opening Of Corrugated Synergies International’s New Facility

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 12, 2018

Gov. Susana Martinez

STATE News:

SANTA TERESA ― Gov. Susana Martinez joined local officials and Corrugated Synergies International (CSI) executives to celebrate the grand opening of CSI’s new Santa Teresa facility.

CSI is headquartered in Renton, Washington and is an innovative leader in sheet feeding to the corrugated cardboard industry. In addition to creating 120 new jobs, CSI will invest more than $31 million towards infrastructure, production equipment, and the renovation of their new facility. This was a competitive project – New Mexico beat

Morrie Pongratz Appointed To Fill Council Vacancy

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 12, 2018

Morrie Pongratz, left, was appointed this evening to serve a vacancy on Council after addressing members of the Los Alamos County Council and answering their questions. He was among six applicants interested in filling the vacancy left when James Chrobocinski resigned in May. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Applicants to fill the vacancy on County Council include Aaron Walker, Brady Burke, David M. North, Laura A. Crotzer, K. Michael Cleveland and Morris B. Pongratz. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Municipal Judge Alan Kirk swears in newly appointed County Councilor Read More

Udall Advances Key Funding For New Mexico Military Base Projects And Veterans

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 11, 2018

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thursday, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the committee has advanced legislation providing strong funding for military construction projects in New Mexico and for veterans’ care across the state.

In total, Udall secured more than $125 million in funding for projects at New Mexico’s military bases and facilities.

“New Mexico’s military bases play a vital role in keeping our nation safe and driving our state’s economy. As a senior member of the Appropriations

Secretary Zinke Announces $720,660 For New Mexico To Support Parks And Outdoor Recreation

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 11, 2018

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke

DOI News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke today announced that $720,660 in revenues available through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) will be distributed to New Mexico for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants that support outdoor recreation and conservation projects.

These funds, which are made up of non-taxpayer dollars from Outer Continental Shelf lease revenues, are part of $61.6 million being awarded to the 50 states, the Territories, and the District of Columbia. The

Pearce On House Passage Of Rescission Package

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 11, 2018

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce voted Thursday in favor of H.R. 3, the Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act.

This bill rescinds nearly $15 billion in unspent, unauthorized funding that Congress had previously approved. President Trump first announced his intent to send Congress a rescission package in May. The act of requesting rescissions of unspent and unauthorized programs was granted to the President through the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

“Just like

Special Session To Fill Council Vacancy 6 p.m. Today

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 11, 2018

COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Council is holding a special session at 6 p.m. today in Council Chambers to discuss and possibly appoint one of six applicants to fill a vacancy on Council.

Residents who submitted a “letter of interest” by the May 31 deadline to fill the vacancy after the resignation of Councilor James Chrobocinski earlier in May include Morris B. Pongratz, Brady Burke, David M. North, Laura A. Crotzer, Aaron Walker and K. Michael Cleveland.

Applicants were asked to submit a “letter of interest” stating that they were a qualified voter and resided in the County, along with a summary Read More

Local Democratic Party Meets 6:30 p.m. Today

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 11, 2018

DEMOCRATIC PARTY News:

The Democratic Party of Los Alamos County will hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. today in Building 5 at UNM-LA (click here for map).

The meeting will include a recap of the Primary Election Results and a discussion about how to support Democratic Candidates in the General Election.

Upcoming Events

Monday, June 11 – Meeting at UNM-LA 6:30 p.m.
Monday, July 9 – Meeting at UNM-LA 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 28 – DPLAC Headquarters move-in
Early August – Official opening of DPLAC Headquarters
Saturday, Aug. 11 – Los Alamos Fair &

Democrats Nominate Judge Michael Vigil For New Mexico Supreme Court Vacancy

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 11, 2018

Judge Michael Vigil

DPNM News:

ALBUQUERQUE – Members of the Democratic Party of New Mexico State Central Committee voted unanimously Saturday to place Judge Michael Vigil as the Democratic nominee on the ballot for the November 2018 general election.

This vacancy had been created by the resignation of a justice of the Supreme Court after the primary filing deadline.

“I am very pleased that an outstanding jurist of Judge Vigil’s excellent ability and reputation has been selected to head our splendid team of Democratic judicial candidates,” DPNM Chair Marg Elliston said. “The Democratic Read More

Governor Proclaims Monsoon Awareness Week

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 11, 2018

Gov. Susana Martinez proclaims June 10-15, 2018 as ‘Monsoon Awareness Week’ in New Mexico. Courtesy/NWS

STATE News:

Gov. Susana Martinez has proclaimed June 10-15, 2018 as “Monsoon Awareness Week” in New Mexico.

The National Weather Service (NWS) and New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NMDHSEM) conduct the annual campaign to promote awareness of life-threatening weather hazards that affect New Mexico during the Summer Monsoon season.

During Monsoon Awareness Week in New Mexico, we will focus on a series of informational projects to promote awareness. Read More

Heinrich, Wyden, Durbin, Feinstein Request Threat Assessment On President’s Cell Phone Usage

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 11, 2018

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) are requesting a threat assessment to determine whether sensitive government information has been exposed and whether plans, strategies, operations, or classified information have been or could be compromised by foreign adversaries due to President Trump’s cell phone usage.

A recent report indicates that President Trump has eschewed the advice of counterintelligence experts and opted to use unsecured commercial

Lunch With A Leader: Bill Hargraves June 19

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 10, 2018

Bill Hargraves

LWV News:

This month’s Lunch with a Leader sponsored by the League of Women Voters for the community will feature Bill Hargraves talking about the Polaris Charter School that has been proposed for Los Alamos. The talk is at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, at Mesa Public Library.

Hargraves serves on the Los Alamos School Board but worked in the role of a private citizen to look at options for children who did not fit in well with traditional teaching. His diverse background dealing with creative thinking and thinking outside the box lead him to believe that as effective

Heinrich Introduces Plan To Make College Affordable

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 10, 2018

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) has introduced the Degrees Not Debt Act to ensure higher education is accessible and affordable to all New Mexicans. The legislation is part of Senator Heinrich’s initiative to build a brighter economic future for students in New Mexico.

“There’s no doubt that a college education is still one of the surest ways to gain the skills needed to build a successful career, but we need to make sure New Mexicans have a fair shot at affording it without being crushed by debt,” Heinrich said.

DOE Releases RFP For EM Consolidated Technical Support Services

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 10, 2018

DOE News:

CINCINNATI, Ohio ― The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center (EMCBC) Thursday issued a Final Request for Proposals (RFP) for EM Consolidated Technical Support Services for the continuation of a wide range of technical services currently being performed on task orders that were issued under IDIQ contracts.

An Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract, utilizing Firm-Fixed-Price and Time-and-Material task orders, is anticipated. The Final RFP is established as a competitive U.S. Small Business

U.S. Sen. Udall Advances Amendment To Ensure Southwest Chief Has Access To Federal Funding

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 9, 2018

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the committee has advanced his bipartisan amendment to help ensure Amtrak’s Southwest Chief can continue to access federal funding for critical repair work.

The Southwest Chief runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, and stops in several New Mexico communities, including Raton, Las Vegas, Lamy, Albuquerque, and Gallup.

In March, members of the New Mexico delegation announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT)

Pearce On House Passed Appropriations Package

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 9, 2018

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce supported the passage of H.R. 5895, which includes the Energy and Water Development, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch Appropriations bills for fiscal year 2019.

“Today, the House acted on one of its most essential functions – funding the federal government,” Pearce said. “Passage of these three bills start the indispensable role Congress has in determining how the American peoples’ tax dollars will be spent for the year to come.”

“H.R.

Supreme Court Denies White’s Request To Have Governor Appoint Los Alamos County Councilor

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 9, 2018

Greg White

By MAIRE O’NEILL

Los Alamos Daily Post

maire@ladailypost.com

The New Mexico Supreme Court has thwarted an effort by Los Alamos resident Greg White to prevent the Los Alamos County Council from appointing a councilor to replace James Chrobocinski who resigned June 1 due to health issues.

White filed a brief Wednesday against Gov. Susana Martinez and the Los Alamos County Council. Supreme Court Justices Petra Jimenez, Charles W. Daniels and Gary L. Clingman denied White’s request that the Court mandate the governor to “do her constitutionally-mandated duty and fill the vacant Read More

Highlights From Local 2018 Primary Election

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 7, 2018

Clockwise from the top, successful 2018 Primary Election candidates for Los Alamos County Council Sara Scott, David Izraelevitz, Randall Ryti and James Robinson, candidate for Land Commissioner Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard and candidate and candidate for Dist. 43 Christine Chandler. Photos by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

By KIRSTEN LASKEY

Los Alamos Daily Post

kirsten@ladailypost.com

Tuesday night’s primary election was described by one candidate as a “nail biter.” Indeed, there were several close results in Los Alamos for both local and state public offices. Still, the Read More

Heinrich: Medicaid Work Requirements For Native Americans Not A State Issue, Tribal Sovereignty Is Clearly A Federal Responsibility

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 7, 2018

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reconsider its proposal to leave the decision to exempt American Indians and Alaskan Natives from work requirements for Medicaid up to the states.

“Tribal sovereignty is clearly a federal responsibility and not an issue to be delegated to the states. This misguided proposal will go directly against the federal government’s responsibility to provide health care for our Native population and to honor the government-to-government

Voters Overwhelmingly Choose Pro-Conservation Candidates In New Mexico’s 2018 Primary Election

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on June 7, 2018

CVNM News:

SANTA FE ― Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM), via its political action committees CVNM Action Fund and CVNM Verde Voters Fund, continues to build a strong political voice for New Mexico’s environment by electing pro-conservation candidates who will work to protect our air, land, water and the health of our communities.

Eight of twelve statewide, Public Regulation Commission (PRC) and State House of Representative candidates that CVNM Action Fund endorsed for primary election were successful in their races. Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (HD 13), Susan Herrera

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